Intercom Audio Rendering for Spatial Sound Localization in Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intercom systems fail to effectively convey spatial information of sound sources, leading to reduced speech intelligibility and difficulty in situational judgment, particularly in environments like fighter jets and trams, where ambient noise and mixed sound sources hinder the perception of risk factors.
Innovation Solution
A realistic acoustic audio output device that incorporates a noise reduction unit, multi-sound source determination unit, and multi-audio rendering unit to process audio signals, applying sound image localization and tracking information to enhance spatial perception, using head-related transfer functions and pinna effects to simulate realistic sound sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-channel sound sources are simply mixed and outputted in conventional intercom systems, then the system structure remains simple, but speech intelligibility and situational judgment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing into distinct functional units: noise reduction unit for ambient noise suppression, multi-sound source determination unit for identifying stereo sound sources, and multi-audio rendering unit for spatial processing. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in specific tasks, improving speech intelligibility while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing stages between simple mixing and final output. The multi-sound source determination unit acts as an intermediary to identify and separate stereo sound sources, and the multi-audio rendering unit serves as another intermediary layer that applies spatial processing. These intermediary units enhance situational judgment without requiring complete system redesign.
2Loss of information
If additional equipment such as radar is used to grasp direction and movement of risk factors, then situational awareness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical spatial equipment (such as radar or additional sensors) with acoustic signal processing techniques. The multi-audio rendering unit uses virtual sound image localization to convey directional and movement information of risk factors through audio signals alone, eliminating the need for additional mechanical or electronic sensing equipment while maintaining situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of spatial information from physical sensor data to acoustic signal parameters. By processing audio signals through multiple rendering techniques that encode direction and movement information in the acoustic domain, the system conveys spatial awareness through sound parameter modifications rather than requiring physical measurement equipment.
3Loss of information
If sound image localization is applied to convey spatial information, then situational judgment is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments sound image localization into two distinct techniques implemented in the multi-audio rendering unit: first sound image localization reflecting sound source location information, and second sound image localization reflecting both location and tracking information. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate localization complexity based on the specific audio source and situational requirements, managing processing complexity while preserving spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial sound image localization by selectively applying first or second localization techniques based on the audio source characteristics. Not all sound sources require the full complexity of second sound image localization with tracking information; the system applies the appropriate level of processing selectively, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining spatial awareness where critical.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a realistic sound audio output device for an intercommunication system, which includes a noise reduction unit for reducing ambient noise when a plurality of audio signals are inputted, a multi-sound source determination unit for outputting the plurality of stereo signals after determining whether a plurality of processed audio signals transmitted through the noise reduction unit are stereo sound sources, a multi-audio rendering unit composed of an audio channel separation rendering unit for performing a first sound image localization reflecting sound source location information with respect to the plurality of stereo signals or an audio panorama rendering unit for performing a second sound image localization reflecting the sound source location information and tracking information, and a sound source output processing unit for post-processing and outputting the plurality of stereo signals through the multi-audio rendering unit.